Batteries and Bits, how long should they last?

[buck3m]

I hit the woods today with two freshly charged 20v DeWalt batteries. I got about fifty taps in and the batteries were toast.

I had my brother pick up a couple more on the way to the farm and so we got our buckets up.

I used those same batteries the last couple of seasons, and I remember them lasting really well.

I'm guessing these batteries were four years old, maybe recharged fifty times.

What do you think, are the batteries just shot due to age, or what?

And how many tap holes should a tapping bit last before replacement?

[maple flats]

A lot of factors come into play. Since you say 20V they must be lithium Ion, have they always been charged soon after being used? If they are not kept charged their life gets shortened. Then again, 4 years might be not too far below the average. I think 5 or 6 might be about average.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

I buy a new bit every year for our 400 taps. Many people use one for several thousand. My 18v 5.0 ah Milwaukee battery drilled 400 taps this year and was just under 1/2 used up. Was a brand new battery which helps. I am guessing something may be wrong with your Dewalt batteries but amp-hour is the rating that matters in regards to longevity.

[maple flats]

On the bits, if I don't hit dead wood, I would think I get 700-800 holes from a tapping bit, then I resharpen them and use them for other non tapping uses.

[Daveg]

If you buy Ridgid, they have lifetime battery replacement. You have to register the battery to be eligible.

[Mead Maple]

The problem might be not using a Milwaukee? Totally just kidding. Sounds like the batteries are getting old. I try and use my batteries in rotation for my job radio, lights, and others to keep them in regular use if I remember to do so.


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[ennismaple]

I can get 100+ taps out of the 2.0 amp hour 20V lithium ion Dewalt batteries. I have a single 4.0 ah battery and it will get 300+. The Dewalt 18V XRP's you can get over 200 holes when they are new.

If you are tapping when the sap is running you will get fewer taps per charge than when the wood is still frozen. If you wobble a bit while tapping you won't get as many taps per charge either as this causes additional load on the drill.